Clubs to the rescue

I received an email reminder from the Atlantic County, N.J., Numismatic Society will meet on Wednesday March 7 at the Linwood Public Library with the social hour starting at 6 p.m. The regular meeting runs 7-9 p.m.

It is a routine announcement much as any club would send to its members. I enjoy receiving them because it lets me know what collectors around the country are doing.

What caught my eye was this part of the message:

“Got a problem coin or one of questionable authenticity? Bring it and we’ll be happy to take a look and one of our experts will provide a free appraisal.”

What is unusual about this is not that the club would do this. What has always struck me as unusual is the reluctance many collectors have to join a club, go to a local show, or even drop by a local coin shop to get to know the proprietor.

Many of the questions I receive over the telephone could be easily answered face to face. Some are almost impossible to answer without seeing the coin or note the caller is asking about.

If the callers were members of a coin club like this, they would find answers to their questions and they might find out just how enjoyable it is to share some time with like-minded people.

If you are not a coin club member, find one. You will be glad you did.